Drones 101: Components and Learning to Fly

This is the introductory course to building and operating first person view (FPV) drones. Students will be introduced to the components that make up an FPV drone. Students will also be introduced to the steps needed to learn to fly a FPV drone using a simulator.

Students can prepare for this course by browsing the information at https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-guide/#what-is-fpv-flying.  Especially useful is to read chapter 4 "Get a Taste of Flying in a Simulator". Pick a simulator with a compatible controller and get some early practice in before the start of the course.

A series of build classes will be offered following this class. If you plan to build a drone, we strongly recommend learning to fly this way to reduce the risk of crashing your newly built drone.

Required: 

• A Laptop capable of running a simulator.
• Although students can purchase different simulator/controller options, the instructor will be using the LiftOff simulator on a Windows laptop. An inexpensive controller that can be used with this combination is the RadioMaster T8 Pro, although students can pick other simulator/controller combinations. Please do not use a game controller (XBox, PS5, etc.) - are not appropriate for flying drones. You can find out details about the hardware requirements for this combination here.

Details:

• All levels 18+ are welcome. 

• Please click here for BARN's current COVID-19 health & safety protocols. 

• Please read ETA's specific safety protocols here.

• BARN is committed to accessibility. Tuition Assistance is available - click here to fill out the simple application before registering for a class. For those who might need physical assistance, please learn about BARN's Companion Program here.

Contact Doug Salot: ETA.Lead@BainbridgeBARN.org